City of Bloomington

Town of Normal staff are signaling a potential need for significant rate increases in several programs including water and sewer, recycling, landscape waste and trash pickups. City Manager Pam Reece said a need for new sewage lift stations and cost recovery for hauling will require a council policy discussion.

Bloomington residents and businesses can no longer possess or sell the herbal substance kratom and synthetic alternatives, following action taken by the city council.

The District 87 school board on Wednesday heard about the need for a gymnasium project and updates on student growth and habits.

A delay last year in finishing the external audit for McLean County government put grants at risk and further heightened periodic and recurring tensions. McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said in a WGLT interview she thinks this year will go much better.

Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said the downtown business community largely drove the city decision to scale back on First Friday promotional events. The city will now pick its spots to promote First Fridays, tied to happenings such as the Route 66 Festival, Tour du Chocolat, or holiday programs.

The City of Bloomington is making adjustments to regulations governing sidewalks and storefront doorways in portions of the downtown area, potentially allowing some businesses to expand their entry areas.

Bloomington was the site of one of more than 1,000 demonstrations planned across the country over the weekend to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the wake of the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota on Wednesday.

A blaze caused by an unattended cooking fire has left 20 Bloomington residents displaced, authorities say.

The City of Bloomington is asking residents and businesses to reduce their water use, as water levels at lakes Bloomington and Evergreen have dropped more than 8 feet below adequate levels. Much of McLean County, including Bloomington-Normal, is in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

WGLT talks to Bloomington residents and city council members about the city's new approach to property maintenance issues, as well as how things work across town in Normal.